Applications Accepted For Moderate Income Housing Unit Program

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Applications are being accepted now through Jan. 29 for Howard County's moderate income housing unit program. Applications are available online and completed applications can be submitted either online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at the county department of housing and community development's Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only.

“Homeownership plays an important role in improving economic mobility and expanding opportunity for generations of families,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said in a statement. “Through our MIHU program, we are creating affordable homeownership opportunities to help families call Howard County home. Especially as our community continues to face a pandemic, this program is an investment in people, in socioeconomic diversity and in building a county that cultivates a better quality of life for all.”

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, DHCD will not be hosting its regularly scheduled, in-person MIHU renter and homeownership informational workshops this month. Instead, the presentations from each of these informational workshops, as well as frequently asked questions and answers explaining the program’s eligibility requirements and application process, can be found online.

“The department is currently awarding new homes in several communities at MIHU prices that are well below market. Potential buyers could also be eligible for downpayment and closing cost assistance through the settlement downpayment loan program with a minimum investment of $1,000. Interest rates remain low so homeownership may be within reach for many moderate-income families in the County,” Kelly Cimino, DHCD director, said.

To purchase a MIHU home, individuals must apply to DHCD during an open enrollment period to be placed in the database. To qualify, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80 percent of Howard County’s median income (example: maximum $94,184 for a four-person household to as much as $124,323 for an eight-person household). Applicants must meet minimum credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards. Sale prices for available MIHU homes, currently range from $267,544 for a new condo to $386,938 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit.

Homeownership opportunities are currently being offered at below-market sales prices in several Howard County communities, including Delacour at Blue Stream in Elkridge, Elkridge Crossing II in Elkridge, Paddock Pointe in Laurel and The Yards at Oxford Square in Hanover. In addition to these new homes, previously owned condominiums and townhomes throughout the county are also for sale under the MIHU program as they become available. With current low interest rates, individuals and families with incomes as low as $60,000 or slightly less may qualify to purchase a home. MIHU homeownership program applications are available online or interested applicants can request to have a paper application mailed to them by calling 410-313-6318 and selecting option two or emailing housing@howardcountymd.gov.

To rent a MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (example: maximum $49,447 for a one-person household and $70,638 for a four-person household). MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy the same amenities of community life as market rate tenants. Prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year.

Rental communities currently participating in the MIHU program are:

• Annapolis Junction
• Ashbury Courts
• Azure Oxford Square
• Belmont Station
• Brompton House
• Burgess Mill Station II
• Dartmoor Place
• Miller’s Grant
• Mission Place
• Oakland Place
• Orchard Meadows
• Orchard Park
• Penniman Park
• The Refinery
• Regency Crest
• Townes at Pine Orchard
• Verde II at Howard Square
• The Vine
• The Wexley @ 100

Open enrollment periods for the MIHU homeownership program are held quarterly.